Absolutism in the West Beemon - 2017

First Ten Pick up a half sheet reading from the chair – do not write on it – read it and be ready for discussion. After reading “Father Knows Best” generate a one sentence summary of the reading. What key ideas does this reinforce? Reject? What will we be learning today? What does divine mean? What is a monarchy? What gave kings that “right to rule” over people? Would we follow this model in the U.S.? What are the benefits and drawbacks of having a monarchy?

Hook What is divine right? What is an absolute monarchy?  Age of Absolutism How is this different from a democracy? The state of monarchy is the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are not only God’s lieutenants upon earth, and sit upon God’s throne, but even by God Himself they are called gods... Kings justly gods, for they exercise a... divine power upon earth... God hath power to create or destroy, make or unmake at His pleasure, to give life or sent death to judge and to be judged nor accountable to none, to raise low things and to make high things low at His pleasure... And the like power of kings... -King James IV/I of Britain, 160

Work Session Absolutism Activity with Notes Louis Versailles Tour Peter the Great Comparison Activity

Absolutism and Divine Right Absolutism is when a single individual rules with complete power over their subjects. Typically they control your private and public life Laws are made without the consent of the governed  purpose is to centralize their power Rule by divine right was used by absolute monarchs in the 16th and 17th centuries to maintain control over the people. This is the belief that the monarch is God’s representative on earth. They receive their authority from God. If you challenge the monarchy, you are challenging God. When you challenge the King that is treason.

King Louis XIV Ruler of France – “I am the State” – “Sun King” 1643-1715 Social: Weakened the authority of the noble class and gave that authority to intendants (government workers – not from a noble class), use of army to put down internal and external opponents Political: Initiated wars to expand empire and increase wealth Innovations: Palace of Versailles, dams & irrigation, self- glorification through art – ballet & opera Culture: ended Protestant freedoms with the Edict of Nantes Economic: Heavy taxation to fund projects and wars, make France self-sufficient (mercantilism)  colonies Sun King Versailles

King Louis XIV of France What characteristics of this painting show the power of King Louis?

Chart Analysis Based on this chart, what assumption can be made concerning Louis and his leadership as an absolute monarch?

Peter the Great Czar of Russia – 1682 – 1725 Social: nobility class (boyars) must embrace westernization, large use of peasant labor to build cities Political: Tension with Church, taxation, First Czar out of Russia Innovations: St. Petersburg – Window to the West, Grand Embassy Culture: Westernization (dress and appearance), took control of the Orthodox Church Economic: heavy taxation for large building projects (St. Petersburg) Peter the Great - Discovery

Grand Embassy

Czar Peter I of Russia What image is Peter trying to convey in this painting?

Find 3 general similarities and 3 general differences between these absolute monarchs.

Last Ten Louis XIV Peter I Comparing Louis and Peter Compare and Contrast – Louis v. Peter Louis XIV Peter I